Qigong Frequently Asked Questions

Qigong is science of the body and originated from china 4000 years ago. Qi means energy, Gong means to work or transform. Your body has rivers of energy running through it. A blockage is something that would not allow the energy to move where it needs to go. When the energy is blocked illness, disease, pain and other health problems may occur. To open these blocked channels you can learn simple movements and meditation and/or have a Qigong Practitioner assist you, so that your body can heal naturally. Energy blockages are simply energy in the wrong place. These movements can be done while lying down, sitting or standing.

Who can benefit?

Anyone, because of the nature of Qigong , that it heals the root of the problem and balances the whole body, mentally, physically and emotionally, it is perfect for anyone experiencing any mental, physical and emotional symptoms. Some of the benefits include increased energy, improved health and focus, and enhanced self-awareness.

What can you expect in a practitioning or healing session?

You can expect to be seated on a chair; people with severe pain may lie down. I will put on relaxing music and ask you to close your eyes and relax. I will then detect where your energy blockages are and start to remove them so the body can balance itself. I seldom touch people. The session lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

What is your background, Mary?

My name is Mary Zelmer, I started studying Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) in 2002 with Master Chunyi Lin. Over that time I have achieved with 9 other advanced students my Healing Mastership. I work as a Master Healer at The SFQ Center with Master Lin in Eden Prairie and the Red Cricket in Mpls. I also teach SFQ classes, assist at Conferences and Retreats, and speak at workshops, schools or where ever else anyone will listen. I also coordinate the SFQ Guild Outreach program.

Why do you do this work?

In 2002 I was chronically sick and I took a level one class in SFQ. It started working right away. I started to practice the exercises and had some appointments with Master Lin. I started to be able to eat, my panic attacks (PTSD), depression, pain and chronic fatigue started to lessen. I started to feel peace and my love for life returned. I kept practicing (not perfectly), and I kept getting better and better. This along with the support of yoga, chiropractic care and herbalogy brought me to a place of wellness. Since then I have witnessed many people get well and I have had the opportunity to help many people. I truly do not believe I would be here without SFQ, I feel blessed and I want to help and share what I learned with as many people as possible. To be able to help my community means a lot to me. So I hope you come in and visit and give SFQ a try.

Where did Spring Forest Qigong originate?

Classes are based on the principles and techniques of Spring Forest Qigong, a medical Qigong. Spring Forest Qigong was developed by Master Chunyi Lin who teaches and lives in the Minneapolis area. These techniques, which are taught by breathing, gentle movements, mental focus and sound are simple, yet powerful enough to relieve physical pain, reduce stress, depression and address many other health concerns. These techniques also work well with modern day medicine.

Do I have to have special equipment to practice?

SFQ can be practiced anywhere at any time. Whether you are physically challenged or an athlete, a senior citizen or a teenager, the Spring Forest Qigong method can help you increase your energy, experience optimal health and wellness and live a richer, happier life.

Why is Qigong taught at a Yoga Studio?

Yoga and Qigong go hand in hand.

"Like yoga, Qigong teaches you to balance energy in your body. Spring Forest Qigong is an easy-to-follow program that will allow you to incorporate the health benefits of Qigong into your daily life." Deepak Chopra, M.D. and author of Ageless Body, Timeless Mind

Qigong Testimonials

Before I met Mary, I thought there was nothing I could do about my health problems. I believed my low energy and pain were inescapable parts of aging. Energy Balancing Sessions shattered those beliefs - I began to heal. Mary is a true friend and guide. In SFQ classes and Energy Balancing Sessions, I've benefited from her warm heart, intelligence, and humor. I am deeply grateful for Mary and the creation of Spring Forest Qigong.

– Lori

Northfield

I took 3 sessions with Mary for Qigong meditation. At first I wasn't sure about what to expect or what I might gain, but I have myofascial pain syndrome, arthritis and bursitis and I'm always looking for alternative forms of treatment rather than prescription drugs. I was surprised how I felt after the class and the physical symptoms I felt during the class. After the second class, the only thing bothering me the most was the bursitis and Mary gave me exercises to do for what is actually for sciatica relief, but helps my bursitis as well. I sit all day on my job, so feeling better is GREAT!! Thanks Mary.

– Lois

Montgomery

I am writing in regards to my Qigong experience with Mary Zelmer. A few days after my son was born we received a call explaining to us that he has a condition by the name of Phenylketonuria (PKU). It is a genetic condition that affects the liver. In a person that has PKU, their liver is lacking an enzyme that breaks down Phenylalanine, which is one of the building blocks of protein. Those with PKU control the condition through diet modification, particularly protein restriction. As soon as Mary heard about my son, she kindly volunteered to come and work on his liver through several Qigong techniques. She balanced his energy systems in his body. He had a blockage in his spine and by removing that it enabled the energy to flow to his liver and stimulate it. My son is now 10 months old and since the first day of his experience with Qigong, I have incorporated it into a regular part of his treatment for PKU. He has blood levels drawn every few weeks to check his Phe level and it has been consistent that each time Mary has worked on him, his levels are lower. In fact on the occasions that his level has been high, I have called Mary to help bring it back down and by the next time he has a level drawn it has been in the treatment range. I am so thankful for knowing Mary and so thankful for the healing she has provided for my son.

– Jen

New Prague

Qi-ssage provides me with energy and calmness to meet the challenges of daily life. Mary’s gentle demeanor and tender instruction, like “picture breathing in sunlight and breathing out smoke,” offer tips for relaxation that really work! Thanks, Mary!